Genital warts are soft growths on the skin and mucus membranes of the genitals. They may be found on the penis, vulva, urethra, vagina, cervix, and around and in the anus.

Genital warts are a sexually transmitted infection (STI).

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The virus that causes genital warts is called human papilloma virus (HPV). More than 70 different types of HPV exist. Certain types of HPV can lead to precancerous changes in the cervix, cervical cancer, or anal cancer. These are called high-risk types of HPV.

Not all types of HPV cause genital warts. Other types of HPV cause warts on other parts of the skin, such as the hands. This article focuses on warts on the genitals.

HPV infection around the genitals is common. However, most people have no symptoms. In women, HPV can spread to areas inside the walls of the vagina and cervix. They are not easy to see without special procedures.

Important facts about HPV:

HPV infection spreads from one person to another through sexual contact involving the anus, mouth, or vagina. You can spread the warts even if you do not see them.

You may not see warts for 6 weeks to 6 months after becoming infected. You may not notice them for years.

Not everyone who has come into contact with the HPV virus and genital warts will develop them.

You are more likely to get genital warts and spread them more quickly if you:

Have multiple sexual partners

Do not know if you had sex with had STIs

Are sexually active at an early age

Use tobacco and alcohol

Have a viral infection such as herpes and are stressed at the same time

Are pregnant

Have a weakened immune system due to an illness or medication

If a child has genital warts, you should suspect sexual abuse as a possible cause.

Symptoms

Genital warts may be so tiny, you might not see them.

The warts may look like:

Flesh-colored spots that are raised or flat

Growths that look like the top of a cauliflower

In females, genital warts may be found:

Inside the vagina or anus

Outside the vagina or anus, or on nearby skin

On the cervix inside the body

In males, genital warts may be found on the:

Penis

Scrotum

Groin area

Thighs

Inside or around the anus

Genital warts may also occur on the

Lips

Mouth

Tongue

Throat

Other symptoms are rare, but may include:

Increased dampness in the genital area near the warts

Increased vaginal discharge

Genital itching

Vaginal bleeding during or after sex

Signs and tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam.

In women, this will include a pelvic examination. Magnification (colposcopy) is used to spot warts that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Your doctor may place watered-down vinegar (acetic acid) on the area. This helps better see any warts.

The virus that causes genital warts can cause abnormal results on a Pap smear. If you have these types of changes, you will probably need more frequent Pap smears for a while.

An HPV DNA test can tell if you have a high-risk type of HPV known to cause cervical cancer. This test may be done:

As a screening test for women over age 30

In women of any age who have a slightly abnormal Pap test result

Treatment

Genital warts must be treated by a doctor. Do NOT use over-the-counter medicines meant for other kinds of warts.

Treatment may include:

A skin treatment done in the doctor's office

Prescription medicine that you apply at home several times per week

Prescription medicines include:

Imiquimod (Aldara)

Podophyllin and podofilox (Condylox)

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA)

The warts may be removed with surgery, including:

Cryosurgery

Electrocauterization

Laser therapy

Surgical excision (cutting them out)

If you have genital warts, all of your sexual partners must be examined by a health care provider and treated if warts are found. Even if you do NOT have symptoms, you must be treated to prevent complications and spreading the condition to others.

You will need to return to your health care provider after treatment to make sure all the warts are gone.

Regular Pap smears are recommended if you are a woman who has had genital warts, or if you parter had them. If you had warts on your cervix, you may need to have Pap smears every 3 to 6 months after the first treatment.

Women with precancerous changes caused by HPV infection may need further treatment.

Young women and girls ages 9 - 26 should be vaccinated against HPV, even if they already have genital warts, though the vaccine is somewhat less effective in preventing cervical cancer if you have already had an infection with high risk HPV.

Expectations (prognosis)

Many sexually active young women become infected with HPV. In many cases, HPV goes away on its own.

Most men who become infected with HPV never develop any symptoms or problems from the infection. However, they can pass it on to current and sometimes future sexual partners.

Even after you have been treated for genital warts, you may still infect others.

Complications

Some types of HPV have been found to cause cancer of the cervix and vulva. They are the main cause of cervical cancer.

The types of HPV that can cause genital warts are not the same as the types that can cause penile or anal cancer.

The warts may become numerous and quite large, requiring more extensive treatment and follow-up procedures.

Calling your health care provider

Call your doctor if:

A current or past sexual partner has genital warts

You have visible warts on your external genitals, itching, discharge, or abnormal vaginal bleeding. Keep in mind that genital warts may not appear for months to years after having sexual contact with an infected person.

You think a young child might have genital warts

Women should begin having Pap smears at age 21.

Prevention

Not having sexual contact is the only foolproof way to avoid genital warts and other STIs. You can also decrease your chance of getting an STI by having a sexual relationship with only one partner who you know is disease-free.

Male and female condoms cannot fully protect you, because the virus or warts can be on nearby skin. Nonetheless, condoms reduce your risk and you should still use them at all times. HPV can be passed from person to person even when there are no visible warts or other symptoms. See: Safe sex

Two vaccines are available that protect against four of the HPV types that cause most cervical cancers in women. The vaccine is given as a series of three shots. It is recommended for girls and women ages 9 to 26.